I recently told stories about the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg to several fifth-grade classes. Telling stories brings history to life and gives students a feel for the human side of war. Not just battles and strategies.
I like to tell a story about a dog who was the mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. A fascinating story. I even use a limberjack to introduce the story to the fifth-graders. As I tell the story, the students are captivated and attentive. I must say, children are hungry for stories. They get to listen, dive into their imaginations, make predictions, and use their “mind’s eye.” Storytelling is different from what they are used to.
After I told the story, I encouraged the students that when they take their class trip to Gettysburg to be sure to ask their teachers and guides to take them to the monument that honors the soldiers … and the little dog named Sallie with a magnificent bronze likeness. (The guides do take them. We arrange it in advance!)
Soon after I had the storytelling session with the kids, I happened to run into a former second-grade student of mine who had been in one of the fifth-grade classes and had gone on the field trip to Gettysburg. I must say, she had been mesmerized about the story of Sallie. The student was dining with her family at a local restaurant.
As I was walking through the restaurant, I suddenly heard, “Mrs. Cravitz! Mrs. Cravitz!” I turned to see my student and her family waving me over. I rushed over to the little girl and with her hands shaking vigorously up and down, she said … “I saw Sallie!”
The power of a story!